So far

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "So far" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something has happened up to the present moment or to describe a situation that is ongoing. Example: "So far, we have completed three out of five tasks for the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So far, so customary.

Independent

So far, so sassy.

Independent

So far, so excellent.

Independent

So far, so polite.

The New York Times - Sports

So far so dull.

The New York Times

So far, so sensible.

The New York Times

So far, so crazy.

Independent

So far, so humdrum.

The Economist

So far, so industry.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

So far, so uplifting.

The Guardian - Books

So far, so representative.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "So far" to indicate progress or a current state, especially when implying that something may change in the future. For instance, "The project is on schedule so far."

Common error

Avoid using "So far" when referring to something that is permanently completed. It implies a possibility of future change, so it's unsuitable for stating definitive past events. Instead of saying "The building is completed so far", say "The building is completed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "So far" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the extent to which something has happened or is true up to the present time. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverbial phrase "So far" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the extent to which something has occurred up to the present time. As evidenced by Ludwig AI, it serves to provide a temporal qualification, implying that future changes are possible. The phrase is versatile, fitting into both formal and informal contexts, although it is most commonly found in news and media. When using "So far", remember to avoid implying completion if future changes are anticipated. Alternatives include "until now" or "thus far", depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Until now

Indicates a duration up to the current moment, similar to "So far" but with a slightly more formal tone.

Up until now

More explicitly includes the present moment in the duration.

Up to this point

Emphasizes the progression to the present moment, akin to "So far" in its temporal aspect.

Thus far

A more formal equivalent, implying a cumulative effect up to the present.

As yet

Highlights the lack of something happening until the present, similar to a conditional use of "So far".

To date

A business-oriented synonym focusing on accumulated progress.

Until the present time

A longer, more descriptive version of "So far", emphasizing the entire period.

Hitherto

A more archaic and formal way to express "So far", implying a historical perspective.

Insofar

Indicates a limitation or extent to which something is true, sharing a conditional aspect with "So far".

To this extent

Highlights the degree to which something has progressed, similar to a limiting use of "So far".

FAQs

How can I use "So far" in a sentence?

"So far" is typically used to indicate something has happened up to the present moment, or to describe a situation that is ongoing. For example, "So far, the weather has been pleasant" or "So far, we have completed three tasks".

What can I say instead of "So far"?

You can use alternatives like "until now", "up to this point", or "thus far" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "So far, so good"?

Yes, the expression "So far, so good" is a common idiom used to indicate that everything has been satisfactory up to the present moment. It implies a cautious optimism about the future.

What's the difference between "So far" and "In the end"?

"So far" indicates progress or a situation up to the present, implying potential future changes. "In the end" refers to the final outcome or result after a process or event is completed.